Last month I had the opportunity to shoot a community block party event for the Salvation Army. It was a fairly warm day for September which meant perfect weather for the block party, which resulted in a great turn out. The event focused solely on community and bringing people together which in turn, created an amazing community based event for residents of Lancaster City. 

(The photo above shows children and parents participating in a game that involved candy).

The event , the Backyard Bash block party, featured a variety of games for the children in the community to play. Some of the feature games consisted of a bean bag toss, throwing game, ducks in a pond, and the list goes on. More games and activities are seen in the photos I attached below, because pictures can explain a lot better than words can…right?

(A young girl sets up cans for the throwing game in the photo above.)

Some of the main activities also featured a magician, who seemed to stun the crowd on multiple occasions, as well as live music that many people had fun with and appreciated. 

(Above are photos of the magician and the live musician who were present).

Activities weren’t the only things going on. There was also food and drinks and free popsicles being given out from an ice cream truck. Other stands offered freebies as well. One stand was giving out personalized airbrushed t-shirts created by airbrush artists. This stand was quite popular judging by the long lines that formed quickly in front of the stand. 

(Image above depicting one of the airbrush artists who were present at the block party).

Aside from all the fun, activities, and live performances going on, there was also an air of camaraderie and friendliness in the air, something that isn’t seen everyday. People were conversing and laughing together and everybody appeared to be having a wonderful time, children and adults alike.

(A group of children smile for the camera in the photo above).

The community focus and feeling of togetherness in Lancaster city is amazing. I tried to encompass that feeling in the images I shot for this event and I wanted to bring out the good in humanity, which does exist, as well as the fact that humans can treat each other with respect, kindness, and dignity in this world which sometimes comes across as cruel, cold, and calculating.